@Bazgrim, while sad-trombone is probably not tonally ideal, whatever they do will become funny by way of association - eventually. I hope. Gamerchick will just have a more difficult phonetic challenge.

I like the silly idea. There's enough seriousness to go around. But that doesn't mean it has to be overt. What if you make it way over the top dark and ominous that it's a joke in itself. That would be perfect.

Ding! was a joke on how corny the lvl up sound was on EQ. Those are the best and most lasting things.

^Those two for actual expiring without direct damage from combat or spells. I think these would be interesting if other players could hear them play as well, maybe for party members. Maybe clerics could make use of it somehow?